Apparatus and method for controlling auto focus function in electronic device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and a method for performing an Auto Focus (AF) function in an electronic device which does not perform the AF function while performing a camcorder function are provided. The apparatus includes a camera for receiving a photographing data, a camera processing unit for performing any one of a still picture acquisition function and an AF function, a recording processing unit for performing a function for recording the photographing data, a camera driver for operating the camera under control of the camera processing unit and the recording processing unit, and a processor for controlling the camera processing unit and the recording processing unit when detecting an AF request while photographing a moving picture to focus on the photographing data automatically and to record the focused photographing data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application of prior application Ser.No. 15/630,361, filed on Jun. 22, 2017, which is a continuationapplication of prior application Ser. No. 14/965,259, filed on Dec. 10,2015, which has issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,187,562 on Jan. 22, 2019, andwhich is a continuation application of prior application Ser. No.13/849,152, filed on Mar. 22, 2013, which has issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,250,498 on Feb. 2, 2016, and was based on and claimed priority under35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of a Korean patent application number 10-2012-0029968filed on Mar. 23, 2012, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, thedisclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electronic device for providing acamera function. More particularly, the present invention relates to anapparatus and method for performing an Auto Focus (AF) function in anelectronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electronic devices such as portable terminals have become necessities ofmodern life for people of all ages. Thus, service providers and terminalmanufacturers are competitively developing differentiated products (orservices).

For example, portable terminals have developed into a multimedia devicecapable of providing various services such as a phonebook service, agame service, a short message service, an e-mail service, a wake-up callservice, an MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) service, a scheduling service, amultimedia message service, a wireless Internet service, and the like.

Recently, the portable terminals on which a camera is mounted have comeinto wide use such that users of the portable terminals easilyphotograph a variety of images anytime or anywhere. Also, because thenumber of supporting pixels of the camera mounted on the portableterminals is increased, the camera mounted on the portable terminals mayplay a role in performing a digital camera function.

In addition, portable terminals have recently been configured to providean AF function which quickly focuses a point a user wants. When theportable terminals supports a touch screen, the user may use the AFfunction for a desired point through a touch input.

The portable terminals may also provide a camcorder function forrecording and storing a moving picture in addition to a camera functionfor photographing a shape of an object. However, there is a problem inthat the user may not use the AF function while performing the camcorderfunction. This is because a recording module for providing the camcorderfunction of each of the portable terminals controls a camera driverindependently and a camera module for providing the camera function maynot be operated. In other words, this means that the recording moduleoccupies the camera driver when performing the camcorder function andanother module (e.g., a camera module) may not control the cameradriver.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, an apparatusand method for providing the AF function when performing the camcorderfunction in an electronic device is needed.

The above is presented as background information only to assist with anunderstanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made,and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might beapplicable as prior art with regard to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are to address at least theabove-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at leastthe advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the presentinvention is to provide an apparatus and method for improvingperformance of a recording function in an electronic device.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andmethod for performing an Auto Focus (AF) function during a recordingprocess in an electronic device.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andmethod for authorizing a recording module to access a camera module whenperforming a recording process in an electronic device.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus forcontrolling an AF function in an electronic device is provided. Theapparatus includes a camera for receiving a photographing data, a cameraprocessing unit for performing any one of a still picture acquisitionfunction and an AF function, a recording processing unit for performinga function for recording the photographing data, a camera driver foroperating the camera under control of the camera processing unit and therecording processing unit, and a processor for controlling the cameraprocessing unit and the recording processing unit when detecting an AFrequest while photographing a moving picture to focus on thephotographing data automatically and to record the focused photographingdata.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, anelectronic device is provided. The electronic device includes one ormore processors, a memory, and one or more modules, each of which isstored in the memory and is configured to be executed by the one or moreprocessors, wherein the one or modules include a camera module forperforming one of a still picture acquisition function and an AFfunction and a recording module for performing a function for recordinga photographing data and wherein each of the one or modules includes aninstruction for controlling the recording module and the camera modulewhen detecting an AF request while photographing a moving picture toautomatically focus on the photographing data and to record the focusedphotographing data.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofcontrolling an AF function in an electronic device is provided. Themethod includes performing one of a still picture acquisition functionand an AF function using a camera module, recording a photographing datausing a recording module, and controlling the recording module and thecamera module when detecting an AF request while photographing a movingpicture, automatically focusing on a photographing data, and recordingthe focused photographing data.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, anon-transient computer readable medium which stores one or more programsincludes instructions for allowing an electronic device to perform anyone of a still picture acquisition function and an AF function using acamera module, record a photographing data using a recording module, andcontrol the recording module and the camera module when detecting an AFrequest while photographing a moving picture to focus on thephotographing data record the focused photographing data, when theinstructions are executed by the electronic device.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certainexemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparentfrom the following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating configuration of an electronicdevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing an Auto Focus(AF) function in an electronic device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of providing an AF functionat a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of providing an AF functionat a recording module according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating a recording process of anelectronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating an AF recording process of anelectronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5C is a block diagram illustrating an AF recording process of anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating detailed configuration of aprocessor unit of an electronic device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood torefer to like parts, components, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplaryembodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the embodiments described hereincan be made without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions andconstructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of theinvention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention is provided for illustration purpose only and not forthe purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatusand method for performing an Auto Focus (AF) function in an electronicdevice which does not perform the AF function while performing acamcorder function.

Hereinafter, a description will be given for an apparatus and method forperforming an AF function during a recording process in an electronicdevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Also, hereinafter, a description will be given later for an electronicdevice. Herein, the electronic device has a camera. Also, the electronicdevice may drive a camera module used when photographing a still pictureand a recording module used when photographing a moving picture,respectively and independently, and may perform an AF function only whenphotographing the still picture.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating configuration of an electronicdevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the electronic device denoted by 100 may be aportable electronic device. For example, the electronic device 100 maybe a portable terminal, a mobile phone, a media player, a tabletcomputer, a handheld computer, or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).Also, the electronic device 100 may be a certain portable electronicdevice including a device in which two or more functions are combinedamong these devices.

The electronic device 100 includes a processor unit 110, a memory 120, afirst wireless communication subsystem 130, a second wirelesscommunication subsystem 131, a motion sensor 140, an optical sensor 141,a camera subsystem 142, an audio subsystem 150, a speaker 151, amicrophone 152, an external port 160, an Input/Output (I/O) system 170,a touch screen 180, and other input/control devices 190. The memory 120and the external port 160 may be a plurality of memories and externalports, respectively.

The processor unit 110 may include one or more processors 111, a memoryinterface 112, and a peripheral interface 113. In some cases, theprocessor unit 110 is referred to as a processor. The one or moreprocessors 111, the memory interface 112, and/or the peripheralinterface 113 may be separately configured or may be integrated in oneor more Integrated Circuits (ICs).

The one or more processors 111 executes several software programs andperforms several functions for the electronic device 100. Also, the oneor more processors 111 performs process and control for voicecommunication and data communication. In addition to this normalfunction, the one or more processors 111 executes a specific softwaremodule (e.g., command set) stored in the memory 120 and plays a role inperforming several specific functions corresponding to the softwaremodule. In other words, the one or more processors 111 interworks withthe software modules stored in the memory 120 and performs the methodaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theone or more processors 111 controls a photographing module 126 stored inthe memory 120 to control an operation of a camera. When the one or moreprocessors 111 performs an AF function during a recording processthrough a recording module 126-2, the one or more processors 111acquires an image data which is automatically focused through a cameramodule 126-1.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theone or more processors 111 includes a camera processing unit foracquiring a still picture and a recording processing unit. The one ormore processors 111 controls the camera processing unit and therecording processing unit, respectively to control an operation of acamera. When the one or more processors 111 performs an AF functionduring a recording process through the recording processing unit, theone or more processors 111 acquires an image data which is automaticallyfocused through the camera processing unit.

A variety of components of the electronic device 100 may be coupled byone or more communication buses (not written in reference numbers) orstream lines (not written in reference numbers).

The external port 160 is used to connect the electronic device 100 toanother electronic device directly or connect the electronic device 100to another electronic device indirectly through a network (e.g., theInternet, an intranet, a wireless Local Area Network (LAN), and thelike). For example, the external port 160 may correspond to any one of aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) port, a firewire port, and the like.

The motion sensor 140 and the optical sensor 141 may connect to theperipheral interface 113 and may perform several functions. For example,the motion sensor 140 and the optical sensor 141 may connect to theperipheral interface 113, may detect motion of the electronic device100, and may detect light from the outside, respectively. Furthermore, aposition measurement system and other sensors such as a temperaturesensor, a bio-sensor, and the like may connect to the peripheralinterface 113 and may perform related functions.

The camera subsystem 142 may connect to an imaging device such as aCharge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor(CMOS) device and may perform a camera function such as a photo andvideo clip recording function.

The electronic device 100 performs a communication function through thefirst and second wireless communication subsystems 130 and 131. Each ofthe first and second wireless communication subsystems 130 and 131 mayinclude a radio frequency receiver and transceiver and/or a beam (e.g.,infrared ray) receiver and transceiver. The first communicationsubsystem 130 and the second communication subsystem 131 may beclassified according to a communication network through which theelectronic device 100 communicates. For example, the communicationnetwork may be, but is not limited to, a Global System for Mobilecommunication (GSM) network, an Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE)network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a W-CDMAnetwork, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an Orthogonal FrequencyDivision Multiple Access (OFDMA) network, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)network, a WiMax network, and/or a Bluetooth network, and the like. Eachof the first and second communication subsystems 130 and 131 may includea communication subsystem designed to be operated through thecommunication network.

The audio subsystem 150 may connect to the speaker 151 and themicrophone 152 and may be responsible for inputting and outputting anaudio stream, such as a voice recognition function, a voice copyfunction, a digital recording function, and a phone call function. Forexample, the audio subsystem 150 communicates with a user through thespeaker 151 and the microphone 152. The audio subsystem 150 receives adata stream through the peripheral interface 113 of the processor unit110 and converts the received data stream into an electric stream. Theconverted electric stream is transmitted to the speaker 151. The speaker151 converts the electric stream into a sound wave to which the user maylisten and outputs the converted sound wave. The microphone 152 convertsa sound wave transmitted from the user or other sound sources into anelectric stream. The audio subsystem 150 receives the converted electricstream from the microphone 152. The audio subsystem 150 converts thereceived electric stream into an audio data stream and transmits theconverted audio data stream to the peripheral interface 113. The audiosubsystem 150 may include an attachable and detachable earphone,headphone, or headset.

The I/O system 170 may include a touch screen controller 171 and/orother input controllers 172. The touch screen controller 171 may becoupled to the touch screen 180. The touch screen 180 and the touchscreen controller 171 may detect, but is not limited to, contact andmotion or stopping of contact or motion using not only capacitive,resistive, infrared ray, and surface acoustic wave technologies fordetermining one or more contact points but also a certain multi-touchdetecting technology including other proximity sensor arrangement orother elements. The other input controllers 172 may be coupled to theother input/control devices 190. The other input/control devices 190 mayinclude one or more up/down buttons for performing volume control.

The touch screen 180 provides an input/output interface between theelectronic device 100 and the user. For example, the touch screen 180transmits touch input of the user to the electronic device 100. Also,the touch screen 180 is a medium for displaying output from theelectronic device 100 to the user. For example, the touch screen 180displays visual output to the user. This visual output may have a texttype, a graphic type, a video type, and a combination thereof.

The touch screen 180 may be any one of several displays. For example,the touch screen 180 may be, but is not limited to, a Liquid CrystalDisplay (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a Light emitting PolymerDisplay (LPD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), an Active MatrixOrganic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED), a Flexible LED (FLED), and thelike.

The memory 120 may be coupled to the memory interface 112. The memory120 may include a high-speed Random Access Memory (RAM) such as one ormore magnetic storages, a non-volatile memory, one or more opticalstorages, and/or a flash memory (e.g., a NAND flash memory or a NORflash memory).

The memory 120 stores software components. The software componentsinclude an Operating System (OS) module 121, a communication module 122,a graphic module 123, a user interface module 124, a CODEC module 125, aphotographing module 126, one or more application modules 127, and thelike. Also, the modules which are the software components may beexpressed in a set of instructions. Accordingly, the modules areexpressed in an instruction set. Also, the modules are expressed inprograms.

One or more modules including instructions for performing severalmethods of exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be storedin the memory 120.

The OS module 121 includes several software components for controlling ageneral system operation. For example, control of this general systemoperation means memory management and control, storage hardware (device)control and management, power control and management, and the like. ThisOS module 121 also performs a function for smoothly communicatingbetween several hardware (devices) and software components (modules).

The communication module 122 may communicate with other electronicdevices such as a computer, a server, and/or a portable terminal throughthe first and second wireless communication subsystems 130 and 131 orthe external port 160.

The graphic module 123 includes several software components forproviding and displaying graphics on the touch screen 180. The term“graphics” means that texts, web pages, icons, digital images, videos,animations, and the like are included.

The user interface module 124 includes several software componentsrelated to a user interface. The user interface module 124 includescontents about whether a state of a user interface is changed to anystate, whether a state of a user interface is changed in any condition,and the like.

The CODEC module 125 may include software components related to encodingand decoding of video files. The CODEC module 125 may include a videostream module such as an MPEG module and/or an H204 module. Also, theCODEC module 125 may include a CODEC module for several audio files suchas AAA files, AMR files, and WMA files.

The photographing module 126 includes cameral-related softwarecomponents capable of performing camera-related processes and functions.The photographing module 126 includes the camera module 126-1 foracquiring still pictures and the recording module 126-2 for acquiringmoving pictures. The camera module 126-1 is a module for communicatingwith an application for providing a camera function and a camera driver.In general, the camera module 126-1 controls the camera driver andoperates a camera. In addition, the camera module 126-1 may move acamera lens according to distance of an object using the camera driverand may focus on the object automatically. In addition, the cameramodule 126-1 may provide a data which is focused on the object to therecording module 126-2.

The recording module 126-2 is a module for communicating with anapplication for providing a camcorder function and a camera driver. Ingeneral, the recording module 126-2 controls the camera driver andoperates a camera. In addition, the recording module 126-2 provides animage data input through the camera to the application and outputs theimage data on a screen. The recording module 126-2 may record and storean image data input through the camera, may provide the stored imagedata to the application, and may output the image data on a screen. Inaddition, the recording module 126-2 may communicate with the cameramodule 126-1 during a recording process, may acquire a data to which anAF function is applied, and may record and store the acquired data.

The photographing module 126 also includes an instruction setcorresponding to the method of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The instruction set includes contents for authorizing therecording module 126-2 to access the camera module 126-1, whenperforming an AF function while a moving picture function is performed.

The application module 127 includes a browser function, an emailfunction, an instant message function, a word processing function, akeyboard emulation function, an address book function, a touch listfunction, a widget function, a Digital Right Management (DRM) function,a voice recognition function, a voice copy function, a positiondetermining function, a location based service function, and the like.The memory 120 may include additional modules (instructions) in additionto the above-described modules. Alternatively, if necessary, the memory120 may not use some modules (instructions).

A variety of functions of the electronic device 100, which are describedabove or to be described later, may be executed by one or more streamingprocessing, hardware including an Application Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC), software, and/or combination thereof.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing an AFfunction in an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the electronic device executes a camcorderapplication for acquiring a moving picture data using a signal inputthrough an imaging device such as a CCD or a CMOS device in step 201.The electronic device proceeds to step 203 in which the electronicdevice authorizes the camcorder application to access a recordingmodule. For example, the electronic device authorizes the camcorderapplication to control an operation of a camera using the recordingmodule and acquire the moving picture data through the controlledcamera.

The electronic device proceeds to step 205 in which the electronicdevice controls a camera driver using the recording module, and controlsoperations (e.g., lens movement, data input, and the like) of thecamera. The electronic device proceeds to step 207 in which theelectronic device determines whether a recording process will beperformed.

If it is determined that the recording process will not be performed instep 207, the electronic device proceeds to step 223 in which theelectronic device outputs a data received from the camera on a previewscreen. The electronic device thereafter proceeds to step 205 in whichthe electronic device determines whether a received data will berecorded while controlling an operation of the camera.

In contrast, if it is determined that the recording process will beperformed in step 207, the electronic device proceeds to step 209 inwhich the electronic device records and stores a data received from thecamera. The electronic device proceeds to step 211 in which theelectronic device determines whether an AF function request is detected.

In general, a camcorder application of a electronic device according tothe related art may control a camera driver through a recording moduleand may acquire and store a moving picture data. In addition, a cameraapplication of the conventional electronic device controls the cameradriver through a camera module, and acquires a still picture or providesan AF function for the still picture. However, because the recordingmodule and the camera module are independently driven, when thecamcorder application is executed, a camera function like an AF functionmay not be performed. Accordingly, the electronic device according tothe related art has a problem in that the recording module may notaccess the camera module when the camcorder application is executed.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the electronic deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention mayperform the following operation and may perform an AF function during arecording process.

If the AF function request is not detected in step 211, the electronicdevice proceeds to step 207 in which the electronic device in which theelectronic device determines whether a recording process will beperformed.

In contrast, if the AF function request is detected in step 211, theelectronic device proceeds to step 213 in which the electronic deviceauthorizes the recording module to access a camera module. Theelectronic device proceeds to step 215 in which the electronic devicecontrols the camera driver using the camera module to control anoperation of the camera. Herein, the recording module provides the AFfunction request to the camera module using a previously definedcommand. The camera module may control the camera driver using thepreviously defined command and may acquire a data which is automaticallyfocused. For example, the camera module may control the camera driver,may move a camera lens according to distance of an object, and may focuson the object automatically.

The electronic device proceeds to step 217 in which the electronicdevice outputs the data which is automatically focused on an outputscreen. The electronic device proceeds to step 219 in which theelectronic device determines whether the camcorder application is ended.The process of step 217 corresponds to a process of providing anacquired data to the recording module at the camera module whichacquires the data which is automatically focused and outputting the dataon the application while recording the data at the recording modulewhich receives the data.

If it is determined that the camcorder application is not ended in step219, the electronic device proceeds to step 211 in which the electronicdevice determines whether an AF function request is detected.

In contrast, if it is determined that the camcorder application is endedin step 219, the electronic device proceeds to step 221 in which theelectronic device withdraws the authority to access the camera module atthe recording module. Thereafter, the electronic device ends thealgorithm of FIG. 2 .

For example, if the electronic device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention uses an AF function when performinga recording process using the recording module, it authorizes therecording module to access the camera module, acquire a data which isfocused through the camera module, and provides the focused data to therecording module.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of providing an AF functionat a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the camera module corresponds to a module of asoftware type for controlling a camera driver and providing stillpictures and an AF function. Also, the camera module may be implementedas hardware to control a camera driver.

First, the camera module determines whether an AF function request isreceived in step 301. The AF function request is a request of a user formoving a camera lens according to distance of an object andautomatically focusing on the object. The AF function request may bereceived through a recording module. This is because it is assumed thatthe camera module is operated by the recording module. When the cameramodule may communicate with an application, it may receive the AFfunction request without passing through the recording module.

If the AF function request is not received in step 301, the cameramodule performs the processing from step 301 again. For example, thecamera module continues to poll the electronic device to determinewhether an AF function request is received.

In contrast, if the AF function request is received in step 301, thecamera module proceeds to step 303 in which the camera module transmitsAF information to the recording module. The AF information isinformation in which an AF state performed at the camera module isrecorded. For example, the AF information may be information in which anAF position, AF success/failure information, and the like are recorded.To load the AF information on the recording module is to provide the AFinformation to the user using previously performed information when therecording module performs an AF function.

The camera module proceeds to 305 in which the camera module controlsthe camera driver, moves a lens of a camera, and focuses the moved lensof the camera on an object. The camera module proceeds to step 307 inwhich the camera module collects an AF data. Herein, the AF data meansan image data which is focused by an AF function.

The camera module proceeds to step 309 in which the camera moduletransmits the collected AF data to the recording module in order torecord the AF data. The camera module proceeds to step 311 in which thecamera module determines whether a camcorder application is ended. Theend of the camcorder application means that an operation of the cameramodule is ended because the camcorder application is ended.

If it is determined that the camcorder application is not ended in step311, the camera module performs the processing from step 301 again. Forexample, if it is determined that the camcorder application is not endedin step 311, then the camera module proceeds to step 301 in whichdetermines whether an AF function request is received.

In contrast, if it is determined that the camcorder application is endedin step 311, the camera module proceeds to step 313 and updates AFinformation. For example, the camera module receives a state of an AFfunction recorded by the recording module and updates the AFinformation. For this reason, when an AF function is performed while thecamera module is independently driven, the camera module may provide theAF information to the user using information performed by the recordingmodule.

Thereafter, the camera module which updates the AF information ends thealgorithm of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of providing an AF functionat a recording module according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the recording module corresponds to a module of asoftware type for controlling a camera driver and for acquiring andstoring moving pictures. The recording module may also be implemented ashardware to control the camera driver.

First, the recording module determines whether an AF request is detectedin step 401. Herein, the recording module may detect and determine aninput (e.g., key input and touch input) of a user, which is generated ona screen output by executing a camcorder application.

If the AF request is not detected in step 401, the recording moduleperforms a process of acquiring a recording data through processes ofsteps 417 to 421.

For example, the recording module controls the camera driver andcontrols an operation of a camera lens in step 417. The recording moduleproceeds to step 419 in which the recording module collects a recordingdata input through a camera. The recording module proceeds to step 421in which the recording module transmits the recording data to anapplication to provide the recording data to a user. At this time, anelectronic device may provide a data input through the camera whilestoring the data in a separate storing space. This means that the userperforms a recording process.

In addition, the electronic device may provide a data input through thecamera to only the user without storing the data in a separate storingspace. This means that the user performs a preview screen outputprocess.

The recording module which acquires the recording data performs theprocessing from step 401 again. For example, the recording moduledetermines whether an AF request is detected in step 401.

In contrast, if the AF request is detected in step 401, the recordingmodule may perform an AF function while acquiring a recording datathrough processes of steps 403 to 411.

For example, the recording module proceeds to step 403 in which therecording module requests a camera module to transmit an AF data.Herein, the recording module may ascertain an object automatically andfocus on the object automatically by performing the AF function. Asanother implementation, the recording module may focus on a regionselected by the user by performing the AF function. When the recordingmodule focuses on the region selected by the user automatically, it mayprovide information about the region selected by him or her to thecamera module.

The recording module proceeds to step 405 in which the recording modulereceives AF information from the camera module. The recording moduleproceeds to step 407 in which the recording module transmits thereceived AF information to an application. Herein, the AF information isinformation in which an AF state performed at the camera module isrecorded. For example, the AF information may be information in which anAF position, AF success/failure information, and the like are recorded.To receive the AF information at the recording module is to provide theAF information to the user using previously performed information whenthe recording module performs an AF function. For example, the recordingmodule provides information about a previous AF point to the applicationto output the information.

The recording module proceeds to step 409 in which the recording modulereceives an AF data from the camera module. The recording moduleproceeds to step 411 in which the recording module transmits the AF datato the application. The AF data means an image data which isautomatically focused on an object or a region selected by the user.

The recording module proceeds to step 413 in which the recording moduledetermines whether a camcorder application is ended. Herein, the end ofthe camcorder application means that an operation of the recordingmodule is ended because the camcorder application is ended.

If it is determined that the camcorder application is not ended in step413, the recording module performs the processing from step 401 again.For example, If it is determined that the camcorder application is notended in step 413, then the recording module proceeds to step 401 inwhich the recording module determines whether an AF request is detected.

In contrast, if it is determined that the camcorder application is endedin step 413, the recording module proceeds to step 415 in which therecording module updates AF information. For example, a state of the AFfunction recorded by the recording module is transmitted to the cameramodule and the AF information is updated. For this reason, when therecording module performs the AF function while the camera module isindependently driven, it may provide the AF function to the user usinginformation performed at it.

Thereafter, the recording module which updates the AF information endsthe algorithm of FIG. 4 .

FIGS. 5A to 5C are block diagrams illustrating an operation process ofan AF function of an electronic device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the electronic device may include anapplication, a recording module, a camera module, and a camera driver.

First, the application is installed in an application module of theelectronic device and corresponds to a program for providing a camerafunction or a camcorder function.

The recording module is a module for communicating with the applicationfor providing a camcorder function and the camera driver. In general,the recording module controls the camera driver and operates a camera.In addition, the recording module provides an image data input throughthe camera to the application to output the image data on a screen ofthe electronic device. The recording module may also record and store animage data input through the camera and provides the stored image datato the application to output the image data on the screen. In addition,the recording module may communicate with the camera module during arecording process, may acquire a data to which an AF function isapplied, and may record and store the acquired data.

The camera module is a module for communicating with the application forproviding a camera function and the camera driver. In general, thecamera module controls the camera driver and operates a camera. Inaddition, the camera module may move a camera lens according to distanceof an object using the camera driver and may focus on the objectautomatically. In addition, the camera module may provide a data whichis focused on the object to the recording module.

The camera driver operates the camera according to control of the cameramodule or the recording module.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating a recording process of anelectronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the electronic device uses a recording module 503when performing a recording process for storing a moving picture data.For example, when an application 501 is executed, the recording module503 is activated and a plurality of User Interfaces (UIs) are displayedon a screen of the electronic device. When the recording module 503detects user input on the UI, it controls a camera driver 505 to move acamera lens and acquire a data photographed by a camera. Therefore, therecording module records and stores the data photographed by the camera,or provides the photographed data to the application 501 to output it ona screen of the electronic device.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating an AF recording process of anelectronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the AF recording process is a process ofsimultaneously performing a recording process and an AF function. Theelectronic device, as described above, uses a recording module 512 whenperforming a recording process for storing moving pictures.

In addition, the electronic device uses a camera module 514 additionallywhen performing the AF recording process of performing an AF functionduring a recording process. For example, when the electronic devicedetects an AF function request on a UI of an application 510 whileperforming a recording process, the electronic device authorizes therecording module 512 to access the camera module 514. For this reason,the camera module 515 may control a camera driver 516, may perform an AFfunction, may acquire an AF data, and may transmit the acquired data tothe recording module 512.

For example, the electronic device authorizes the recording module 512to access the camera module 514 while acquiring a moving picture datausing the recording module 512 and acquires an AF data from the cameramodule 514. The electronic device acquires a photographing data throughthe camera module 514 only when performing an AF function.

FIG. 5C is a block diagram illustrating an AF recording process of anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5C, as described above, the electronic device uses arecording module 522 and a camera module 524 when performing a recordingprocess for storing moving pictures.

For example, when the electronic device detects a recording functionrequest on a UI of an application 520, the electronic device authorizesthe recording module 522 to access the camera module 524. For thisreason, the camera module 524 controls a camera driver 526 under controlof the recording module 522, acquires a photographing data, and providesthe acquired data to the recording module 522.

In addition, when the recording module 522 detects an AF functionrequest on the UI of the application 520 during a recording process, therecording module 522 provides the detected AF function request to thecamera module 524. The camera module 524 which receives the AF functionrequest may control the camera driver 526, may perform an AF function,may acquire an AF data, and may transmit the acquired data to therecording module 522.

For example, the electronic device authorizes the recording module 522to access the camera module 524 when performing a recording function andacquires a moving picture data and an AF data from the camera module522. For example, the electronic device acquires a photographing data ofan overall recording process through the camera module 524.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating detailed configuration of aprocessor unit of an electronic device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a processor unit 600 of the electronic device is aunit for controlling an overall operation of the electronic device andmay be an Application Processor (AP). In addition, FIG. 6 shows theelectronic device in which a camera module and a recording module areimplemented as a hardware type. The camera module and the recordingmodule implemented as the hardware type are included in the processorunit 600.

The processor unit 600 may include a memory interface 602, a peripheralinterface 612, a processor 604, and a photographing management unit 606.The photographing module stored in the memory of FIG. 1 is implementedas hardware. For example, the photographing module stored in the memoryof FIG. 1 is implemented in the photographing management unit 606. Thephotographing management unit 606 may include a recording processingunit 608 and a camera processing unit 610.

The processor 604 interworks with the photographing management unit 606and software modules stored in the memory of FIG. 1 and performs anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with anembodiment of the present invention, the electronic device operates therecording processing unit 608 when performing a recording operation.When it is necessary to perform an AF function during a recordingprocess, the electronic device controls an operation of the cameraprocessing unit 610 using the recording processing unit 608.

Herein, the camera processing unit 610 and the recording processing unit608 may control a camera driver. The camera processing unit 610 mayacquire a photographing data for a still picture and may control an AFfunction for an object. In addition, the recording processing unit 608may acquire and store a photographing data for a moving picture. Theelectronic device may not control an AF function through an independentoperation of the recording processing unit 608.

Therefore, when it is necessary to perform an AF function during arecording process, the processor 604 authorizes the recording processingunit 608 to control an operation of the camera processing unit 608.

For this reason, the recording processing unit 608 controls the cameraprocessing unit 610 while performing a recording process and allows thecamera processing unit 610 to perform an AF function. The cameraprocessing unit 610 may acquire an AF data and may provide the acquireddata to the recording processing unit 608.

It will be appreciated that exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention according to the claims and description in the specificationcan be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination ofhardware and software. Any such software may be stored in anon-transient computer readable storage medium. The computer readablestorage medium stores one or more programs (software modules), the oneor more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by one ormore processors in an electronic device, cause the electronic device toperform a method of the present invention. Any such software may bestored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, forexample, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable ornot, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips,device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magneticallyreadable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk ormagnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storagedevices and storage media are exemplary embodiments of machine-readablestorage that are suitable for storing a program or programs comprisinginstructions that, when executed, implement exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments provide a programcomprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in anyone of the claims of this specification and a machine-readable storagestoring such a program. Still further, such programs may be conveyedelectronically via any medium such as a communication signal carriedover a wired or wireless connection and exemplary embodiments suitablyencompass the same.

As described above, the electronic device according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention improves performance of a recordingfunction. Also, the electronic device may perform communication betweena module for providing a moving picture photographing function and amodule for providing a still picture photographing function and an AFfunction and may perform the AF function during a recording process.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a touch screendisplay; a memory; a camera; and a processor configured to: display, viathe touch screen display, a preview image obtained using the camera andcorresponding to a scene external to the electronic device, start, usingthe camera, recording of a video based on a first user input, the videobeing recorded focused on a first portion of the preview image, whilerecording the video, receive a second user input for changing a locationfor focusing to a second portion of the preview image from the firstportion of the preview image, maintain, using the camera, the changedlocation for focusing with respect to the second portion of the previewimage, and terminate the video recording based on a third user input,the video including first video data focused on the first portion andsecond video data focused on the second portion.
 2. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured toprovide information associated with the second portion in which thesecond user input is received.
 3. The electronic device of claim 2,wherein the processor is further configured to provide the informationto a user.
 4. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the processor isfurther configured to provide the information to an application of theelectronic device.
 5. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein theinformation includes at least one of a focus position information or afocus success/failure information.
 6. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the processor is further configured to display a user interfaceon the preview image during the recording of the video, the userinterface configured to control at least one aspect of the recording. 7.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second user inputcomprises a touch input corresponding to the changed location on thepreview image displayed via the touch screen display.
 8. A method foroperating an electronic device comprising: displaying, via a touchscreen display of the electronic device, a preview image obtained usinga camera of the electronic device and corresponding to a scene externalto the electronic device; starting recording of a video based on a firstuser input, the video being recorded focused on a first portion of thepreview image; while recording the video, receiving a second user inputfor changing a location for focusing to a second portion of the previewimage from the first portion of the preview image; maintaining thechanged location for focusing with respect to the second portion of thepreview image; and terminating the video recording based on a third userinput, the video including first video data focused on the first portionand second video data focused on the second portion.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: providing information associated with thesecond portion in which the second user input is received.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising: providing the information to auser.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: providing theinformation to an application of the electronic device.
 12. The methodof claim 8, further comprising: displaying a plurality of graphics onthe preview image during the recording of the video.
 13. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: displaying a user interface on the previewimage during the recording of the video, the user interface configuredto control at least one aspect of the recording.
 14. The method of claim8, wherein the second user input comprises a touch input correspondingto the changed location on the preview image displayed via the touchscreen display.
 15. A non-transitory computer readable medium storinginstructions that, when executed by one or more processors of anelectronic device, causes the one or more processors to performoperations comprising: displaying, via a touch screen display of theelectronic device, a preview image obtained using a camera andcorresponding to a scene external to the electronic device; startingrecording, using the camera, of a video based on a first user input, thevideo being recorded focused on a first portion of the preview image;while recording the video, receiving a second user input for changing alocation for focusing to a second portion of the preview image from thefirst portion of the preview image; maintaining the changed location forfocusing with respect to the second portion of the preview image; andterminating the video recording based on a third user input, the videoincluding first video data focused on the first portion and second videodata focused on the second portion.
 16. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 15, further comprising: providing informationassociated with the second portion in which the second user input isreceived.
 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16,further comprising: providing the information to a user.
 18. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, further comprising:providing the information to an application of the electronic device.19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, furthercomprising displaying a plurality of graphics on the preview imageduring the recording of the video.
 20. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 15, further comprising: displaying a userinterface on the preview image during the recording of the video, theuser interface configured to control at least one aspect of therecording.